Christmas is celebration, and there is no celebration that compares with the realization of its true meaning - with the sudden stirring of the heart that has extended itself toward the core of life. Then, only then, is it possible to grasp the significance of that first Christmas - to savor in the inward ear the sweet music of the angel choir; to envision the star-struck sky, and glimpse, behind the eyelids, the ray of light that fell athwart a darkened path and changed the world.

Monday, December 17, 2018

It's exciting when one of my favorite authors brings out a new book. Knowing that this new story will be entertaining and fulfilling is what keeps me reading. Such is the case with Denise Hunter. I have read many of her books, and she never disappoints.

On Magnolia Lane picks up the last of the friends of the Blue Ridge Romance series. And let me say, you don't need to read the first books to enjoy this one. This story about Pastor Jack McReady and Daisy Pendleton is so tender, as Jack falls in love with Daisy, but fears losing her friendship if he proclaims his love for her. Daisy shares her heart with Jack during counseling, and has never seen him more than her Pastor. Where will these uneven feelings lead.

Denise Hunter writes with such understanding and compassion of the human heart and the hurts that come along the way. She brings communication and miscommunication to a level of allowing the reader to understand the feelings her characters are experiencing. It's a great story. And you will want to read the other books in the series, just to get to know about the lives of the other friends of Copper Creek. I voluntarily reviewed a
complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All
views expressed are my honest opinion.

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Christmas is a special time. Time for family, friends and renewing of hearts. Its also a time of giving. We tend to give more at Christmas than any other time of the year. Whether it be gifts for your loved ones, the Salvation Army pot, or your favorite charities. But the giving that keeps on giving is the kindness you show to others. Is there someone who is lonely, a widow, or someone going through a difficult time. There is so much heartache as Christmas brings back memories of happier times.

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Today I want to share these goodies. They are delicious for a snack, but they make very nice little gifts as well.My
niece made these Sweet Roasted Nuts for us last year and of course we
all loved them and wanted the recipe.

The cast of characters

1 bag of pecan halves (or 1 1/2 cups)1 bag of walnuts (or 1 1/2 cups)

Melt 1/2 stick of butter, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, a pinch of salt and a little vanilla in a sauce pan.

Coat
the nuts in the mixture and then spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 350
degrees for about 10 minutes. You will know when they are done when you
smell them!

Cool on wax paper before storing

I found these little canning jars at Target, and they are the perfect size for gift giving.

I hope you enjoy making these little morsels. They are so delicious to eat and you could make someone very very happy :-)

Friday, December 14, 2018

A couple of years ago I made these cute little snowmen for the children
of some friends. They were fun and easy. There's a Hershey bar
wrapped under the snowman. The hats are those inexpensive children's gloves. I still think this is one of the cutest
little gifties for someone whether they are young and old :-)

You can find a link for the template HERE.
(p.s. be sure to turn the template to the Landscape position before printing)

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Searching for You by Jody Hedlund is the final story of the Orphan Train series. Following the lives of the Neumann sisters has been an enlightening and entertaining journey.

After being separated from her sisters, Sophie finds herself on the run after witnessing a crime. Her desire to keep her young charges together festers a struggle that tests Sophie's resolve. Reinhold Weiss returns into her life and her affection for him resurrects. Although she had a crush on Reinhold when she was just a girl, as a young woman she finds herself physically drawn to him. Reinhold no longer sees Sophie as a child, but as a beautiful young woman and is surprised by his own physical attraction to her.Searching for You is a historical fiction novel that dwells on so many levels of deep internal feelings. From a time when orphans lived on the streets of New York, making their way day by day. Jody Hedlund is such an excellent author, delving into the realities of how life was in the 1800's for thousands of orphaned and neglected children. This book definitely captures you and holds your imagination and interest. I voluntarily reviewed a
complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All
views expressed are my honest opinion.

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